Amber Fort (Amer Fort) & Hathi Gaon, Jaipur — What Changed in 2025 & What It Means for Visitors

Amber Fort (Amer Fort) & Hathi Gaon, Jaipur — What Changed in 2025 & What It Means for Visitors

Avatar for HathiJaiGHathiJaiG
For decades, elephant rides up to Amber Fort have been a signature image of Jaipur tourism. At the same time, Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) near the fort has offered a more behind-the-scenes look at these majestic animals and their mahouts. However, growing concerns over animal welfare, regulatory scrutiny and shifting traveler sensibilities mean 2025 brings key changes. For ethical travellers, tour operators, and local businesses (shops, restaurants, guides) in Jaipur, being aware of these changes helps avoid negative experiences, support responsible tourism, and contribute positively to the destination. ... Read More
Elephant Rescue Stories: From Abuse to Care at Hathi Gaon & Beyond

Elephant Rescue Stories: From Abuse to Care at Hathi Gaon & Beyond

Avatar for HathiJaiGHathiJaiG
Hathi Gaon (literally “Elephant Village”) was created to house around 100 elephants and their mahout families near Amber Fort. Designed by RMA Architects, it’s a clustered settlement with courtyards and rain-harvesting water bodies. Think of it as a residential community and service hub for working elephants—not a rescue center. In parallel, elephant rides to Amber Fort and some “tourist activities” in/around Hathi Gaon have drawn sustained criticism from animal-welfare groups, with periodic government and court actions (including removing medically unfit elephants from rides and policy wrangles over pricing and operations). The bottom line: welfare standards and legality are evolving, and travelers should choose no-ride options ... Read More
What Happens to Ticket Money at Elephant Park & Elephant Village: Transparent Costs & Conservation Finance (India)

What Happens to Ticket Money at Elephant Park & Elephant Village: Transparent Costs & Conservation Finance (India)

Avatar for HathiJaiGHathiJaiG
If you’ve ever wondered, “Where does my ticket money go?”, this guide lays it out—line by line. Running an ethical elephant park or village in India is expensive, specialized, and (when done right) deeply impactful. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of revenue, actual cost drivers for elephant care, how funds channel into rescue, rehabilitation, and forest conservation, and the standards you can use to evaluate whether a venue is truly ethical. We also include a simple template for monthly transparency reports and a gentle nudge to book directly (so more of your rupee funds the elephants, not middlemen). ... Read More
Elephant Enrichment in Jaipur: Puzzle Feeders, Scent Trails & Supporting Mental Health at Ethical Sanctuaries

Elephant Enrichment in Jaipur: Puzzle Feeders, Scent Trails & Supporting Mental Health at Ethical Sanctuaries

Avatar for HathiJaiGHathiJaiG
Jaipur’s most responsible elephant sanctuaries center their work on enrichment—daily activities that stimulate an elephant’s mind and body—alongside positive-reinforcement care, protected contact, and visitor education. In this 1,500+ word guide, you’ll learn what enrichment looks like (from puzzle feeders to scent trails and target training), how it supports mental health, and exactly what visitors should look for when choosing an ethical experience in Jaipur or elsewhere in India. There’s also a practical checklist, a robust FAQ, and a clear booking call-to-action so you can plan a humane, memorable visit. ... Read More